Occupational Prenatal Radiation Exposure and Occupational Safety: Position Paper for Pregnant and breastfeeding Personnel in Interventional Procedures with Ionizing Radiation
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: The increasing number of women working in medical surgical professions involving ionizing radiation creates new challenges for the safety of both pregnant and breastfeeding employees and the management of prenatal radiation exposure. The aim of this manuscript is to discuss the biological effects of loosely-ionizing radiation, evaluate the associated risks, and discuss the principles of German radiation protection law in the context of pregnancy and breastfeeding.To assess the effects of prenatal radiation exposure, we reviewed relevant sources such as reports from the German Commission on Radiological Protection, United Nations Scientific Commission on Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR), and publications from the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP). Additionally, the current German legislation, with focus on radiation protection and maternity protection laws, was outlined in context.The analysis shows that adhering to regulatory dose limits minimizes the risks of pregnancy complications, congenital malformations, developmental delays, mutagenic and carcinogenic effects. Special attention is required during the first trimester, in which radiation sensitivity is highest. Adherence to legal framework and associated protective measures in Germany provides under certain conditions a safe working environment for pregnant and breastfeeding women in surgical professions that involve ionizing radiation.This work highlights that careful risk assessment and strict adherence to radiation protection and occupational safety regulations enable pregnant and lactating women to work safely in areas associated with ionizing radiation and interventional aspects of their occupation. The need for continuous monitoring and adjustment of protective measures as well as the provision of confidential counseling services, are essential to ensure the safety of pregnant and breastfeeding workers and their children. · Becker LS, Stein T, Frisch A et al. Occupational Prenatal Radiation Exposure and Occupational Safety: Position Paper for Pregnant and breastfeeding Personnel in Interventional Procedures with Ionizing Radiation. Rofo 2026; 198: 64-73.
DOI: 10.1055/a-2536-7206
Authors: Lena Sophie Becker, Thomas Stein, Anne Frisch, Cornelia Lieselotte Angelika Dewald, Sophia Freya Ulrike Blum, Charlotte Wintergerst, Giovanni Torsello, Matti Jonas Peperhove, Gesa Pöhler, Emona Staudacher, Mareike Franke, Stephanie Tritt, Kerstin Westphalen, Philipp Bruners, Stefan Rohde, Bernhard Gebauer, Marco Das, Kerstin Jungnickel, Martin Fiebich, Marcus Katoh, Philipp Paprottka, Michael Uder, Frank K. Wacker, Wibke Uller, Members of the Board “German Society of Interventional Radiology” (DeGIR; in alphabetical order):, Members of the German Association of Chairmen in Academic Radiology (KLR; in alphabetical order):
Institutions: Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, University of Freiburg, University Medical Center Freiburg, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Universitätsmedizin Göttingen, University of Göttingen, University of Münster, University Hospital Münster, Universitätsklinikum Aachen, RWTH Aachen University, Luzerner Kantonsspital, Helios Dr. Horst Schmidt Kliniken Wiesbaden, DRK Kliniken Berlin, Helios Kliniken, University Hospital Magdeburg, Helios Klinikum Krefeld, TUM Klinikum, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen
Language: English
Topic: Radiation Dose and Imaging
Subfield: Radiology, Nuclear Medicine and Imaging
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W4408897094